Clinton, Conn. – In an effort to break down language barriers and serve the community more effectively, the Clinton Police Department has equipped its officers with Axon body‑camera units that provide real‑time translation of up to 50 languages.
Technology in the field
Sergeant Spencer Mangs, who wears the new camera on patrol, explained that a simple press of a button activates the translation feature. The system currently sees the most use for Spanish and Portuguese, reflecting the linguistic makeup of many callers and victims the department assists.
“Our job is to help, and our profession is based on effective communication, so we didn’t feel that we had enough resources available,” Mangs said. Prior to the upgrade, officers often had to call an outside agency or use personal phones to obtain translations, a process that could delay critical assistance.
Impact on investigations and community aid
According to Mangs, the faster communication has already yielded tangible results. Officers have recovered stolen items, aided domestic‑violence victims, and clarified statements that are essential to investigations. “We’ve helped people recover stolen items, we’ve helped victims of domestic violence understand them better, which is obviously very important in those cases,” he noted.
The department also highlighted the role of automated license‑plate readers (ALPRs) in recent successes, including busting a multi‑state organized retail‑crime ring, locating missing persons, and tracking down car‑jackers. Data from the Flock transparency portal shows the cameras contributed to 23 cases last year.
Tools, not replacements
While praising the technology, Mangs emphasized that it does not replace the judgment and training of officers. “What it comes down to is the officer,” he said. “These tools can’t replace people. We rely on our training, on our judgment when dealing with people and trying to really solve crimes.”
The rollout follows a similar adoption by the Connecticut State Police earlier this year, marking a growing trend among law‑enforcement agencies to leverage advanced communication tools to better protect and serve their communities.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
